Como Planetarium transforming visitors one ‘galaxy’ at a time

John Iverson has been director of the Como Planetarium for a little over a year. The traditional star ball from 1975 is still in place, but there are also new computer programs that have made the planetarium experience much richer than in the past. The planetarium is located at 780 Wheelock as an addition to Como Park Elementary School. (Photo by Jan Willms)

By JAN WILLMS

It may be a gray, hazy and cloudy winter day outside, but step into the Como Planetarium at 780 Wheelock and your world can be transformed into a star-filled December night or a visit through the galaxy or even a program of Mayan Prophecies.

Many Como residents may not realize that since 1975, a planetarium has graced their neighborhood. Built as an addition to the Como Park Elementary School, the planetarium offers presentations to the public as well as students, with enhanced technology providing an ever-greater selection of cosmic choices.

John Iverson has been director of the planetarium for a little over a year. The traditional star ball from 1975 is still in place, but he said new computer programs have made the planetarium experience much richer than in the past.

“Several years ago we began moving toward immersive video and an immersive learning environment,” Iverson explained. “Images from the computer program in the back of the planetarium allow us to visit the planets and fly around the galaxy.”

As he speaks, Iverson dims the lights and the dome of the planetarium, which seats about 60 people, comes to life. Iverson points out constellations and stars, describing the images in detail. He is able to visualize a winter night’s sky in St. Paul. The projector connects to a computer, which reflects the visuals on a 30-foot diameter dome.

He slips in another program, and the planetarium is transformed into the galaxy. Iverson is able to pinpoint specific highpoints of the galaxy, such as the Milky Way. He can zero in on various planets, viewing them from a distance or focusing on the surface of Jupiter or Mars.

“We serve basically three populations,” Iverson said. These are St. Paul Public School (SPPS) District students, kids outside the district and the public. He said a large number of SPPS students come through the planetarium, observing and participating in programs regarding space.

“We show animations above their heads,” he noted. The children are given clickers and they can click on choices of A, B or C to select which animation makes the most sense.

“We do a pre-assessment, class time and post-assessment part,” he said. “The kids love the assessment piece.” As an example, the class might learn about the sun in winter. The program is geared to 3rd graders.

Fifth grade science classes come down to the planetarium to prepare for their science MCA tests. “Ideally, all fifth graders in the district are coming in,” Iverson said. “The planetarium is open to all grades in St. Paul K-12, but 1st, 3rd and 5th grades are targeted,”

Many students from outside the district come in for programs, as well, with the cost of the programs and their transportation covered by their particular school district.

“A lot of our public programs are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., with a $5 charge,” Iverson detailed. He said that he, David Hahn and Andre Phillips present the programs to the students and public.

“David is passionate about astronomy, and Andre also has a background in astronomy,” Iverson said. “Both have worked with the Bell Museum.” Iverson has a background in film production, which provides a perfect fit for the computerized video immersions that are offered.

He said the staff has also worked with Parke Kunkle, who teaches astronomy at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Kunkle brought a former student of his, Maude Hixon, who is a jazz singer, into the picture. She and musician Dean McGraw play songs from the 40s, such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” as background to some of the public productions. “The images on the ceiling relate to the songs they perform,” Iverson said.

He said the public programs are offered at both introductory levels and at a more advanced level for astronomy enthusiasts. One of the programs offered to younger viewers is “Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea,” which shows the concepts of continental drift. “We have stop motion animation,” he said. “Elementary kids and their families can learn about the concepts of earth science.”

Iverson emphasized that the planetarium wants to take programming beyond astronomy. As well as the scheduled Tuesday and Thursday presentations, groups can select an hour-long program for their enjoyment.

“For example, one group is having a 12-12-12 party here on Dec. 12, to learn about the 12 signs of the Zodiac,” he said.

For the holiday season, the planetarium is presenting the Season of Light. Half of the program is an animated movie, and half of it is looking at night constellations at this time of year.

“With our newer technology, we can show what a night sky would look like six months from now,” Iverson explained. “Many of our images are formed from space missions and NASA data gathering, also.”

He said the University of Minnesota is working on a program that offers an interactive tour of the heart.

“Planetariums are not just for astronomy anymore,” Iverson said.

Although more than 20,000 passed through the doors of the planetarium last year, Iverson hopes this gem in the Como neighborhood becomes even better known.

“We had a full house at one of our recent programs, but when we asked the audience, only 4 out of 60 knew we were here,” Iverson said.

To learn more about what Como Planetarium has to offer, its hours and programs, visit planetarium.spps.org.